As my top lip skims my sazerac, a sweet spicy alcoholic drink made of bitters, rye whiskey, absinthe and simple syrup, unexpected flavours curl my tongue.

I am lost in the 20’s and 30’s, like Woody Allen’s starved-for-nostalgia character from “Midnight in Paris,” played by Owen Wilson. But I’m definitely not Owen and this isn’t Paris.

It’s my first night in New Orleans, and I’m devouring a savory Chicken and Andouille Gumbo (rich Cajun soupy dark roux which can also be made with shellfish) while listening to a trio of seasoned jazz musicians sing “What a Wonderful World” to our table at Arnaud’s Jazz Bistro off Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter.